Gold Coast SUNS Academy member Dyson Budarick has earned the final Rising Star Nomination of the 2015 NEAFL season.

The Queensland Under-18s representative showed off his potential with 14 disposals, including five inside 50s, and a goal in the SUNS’ 89-point win over Brisbane at Coorparoo on Saturday.

Originally from the Labrador Tigers, Budarick has played seven matches for the SUNS this year and was recently invited to the AFL State Combine last week.

Gold Coast NEAFL coach, Josh Fraser, said Budarick’s competitive nature has put him in good stead.

“I have been impressed with him every time he has stepped out for us this year,” he said.

“He is definitely growing in stature and confidence. He has been really combative in the midfield and his tackling has been terrific.

“He looks at home at NEAFL level and we think he has been a valuable contributor for us. You can never count someone like Dyson out of AFL Draft contention.”

Budarick, 18, is the first Gold Coast player to be awarded a nomination this year.

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition. Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 NEAFL games at the start of the 2015 season.

The 2015 nominees are; Nick Fothergill (Eastlake), Jack Rolls (Brisbane), Matt Uebergang (Redland), Ben Keays (Brisbane), Ryan Nyhuis (NT Thunder), Stephen Camp (Eastlake), Eric Hipwood (Brisbane), Liam Griffiths (Ainslie), Scott Millet (Redland), James Holland (Southport), Brydan Hodgson (Eastlake), Nic Jackson (Aspley), Michael Hagan (NT Thunder), Mitch Mahady (Sydney University), Tim Jones (Southport), Jock Cornell (UWS Giants), Dyson Budarick (Gold Coast).

The winner will be announced at the NEAFL Awards Ceremony on August 30.